An old SGI acquaintance. Works for one of my subcontractors. First day on the job he says, “ I know I know you from somewhere. How long have you worked for this company?” I said, “ About a year.” “That’s not it then. But, I know I know you from somewhere.”
A week passes. “Where did you work before?” I told him. He says, “Well, I don’t know where, but it sure seems like I know you.”
Another week passes. Today I asked, “Dave, have you figured out the connection yet?” “No” he says, “Do you always run the jobs?” “Yes” I said.
Then I asked, “Do you have any religious affiliations?” He looks embarrassed. I ask again, “Do you have any religious affiliations?” “Well, yes. Yes I do.” There is an awkward silence. I ask, "Well?… What is it?”
“I’m Buddhist,” he answers with a tentative look on his face, waiting for my reaction. “That’s it then” I said.
The concerned gaze turns to a warm smile as he asks, “What district or chapter are you in?” “I haven’t been for about twelve years”. Big smile, “It has really, really, changed!”
“Yeah, I have been keeping track. It’s like an old Ford pick-up with a new paint job. Cleaned up, but still in need of an oil change and new shock absorbers.”
Oh, well. He’ll be back in a week or so. We’ll talk again.
Posted by chikushonin at April 11, 2005 08:04 PM“I’m Buddhist,” he is SGI´ist more likely!
Best,
Josef
Dear Josef,
SGIers are also Buddhists. The SGI in the USA has introduced many of us to Buddhism and the Lotus Sutra. I would never call them non-buddhists—even when some of their teachings are distorted. I wish nothing but the best for them, and all other schools.
As a person that was in fact introduced to Buddhism by the SGI, I feel a responsibility to help them correct their errors.
Any criticisms that I have offered have been made with that thought in mind.
Chicku, you wrote, "As a person that was in fact introduced to Buddhism by the SGI, I feel a responsibility to help them correct their errors." I think that's a wonderful perspective. I recently went to an SGI meeting with the intention of speaking my truth and sharing an experience from my practice as I practice, not as the SGI wants us to practice. In fact, the whole thing went really well, and many others shared in a similar manner. I wasn't introduced to Buddhism by the SGI, but through the SGI I made a deeper commitment to my practice and "came out of the closet" as a Buddhist, so to speak. Prior to connecting with the organization I usually practiced on my own and never really spoke with others about my Buddhist way of life. I, too, am grateful to them for being a valuable part of my life and I don't mean to criticize the SGI either. If I do at times, it's really just me trying to figure out what is true for me.
Posted by: queen lolo at May 8, 2005 11:06 PM“Chicku”—You might blush if you knew what you’ve said…
Queen Lolo,
I’m glad you enjoyed your meet and that it went well (and, yes, the above was an attempt at humor, and feel free to just type ‘c’ if it is easier.)
Meetings are not as friendly if you are offering a serious challenge to SGI doctrines.
I do criticize the SGI at times, but it is meant to be instructive, not bitter or hateful. “To correct another’s errors is to be like parent to them; to fail to do so is to be one’s enemy.”
As always, please feel free to correct my errors.